Dave Parker dies at 74: MLB world mourns loss of former Pirates star, Baseball Hall of Famer

Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Parker passed away on Saturday, the Pirates announced. He was 74.

The hulking outfielder was one of MLB’s grandest talents during his pomp, trawling big league ballparks for 19 seasons. He’s best known for his time in Pittsburgh, where he captured NL MVP honors in 1978.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker,” Pittsburgh said in a statement released on X. “The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022 and will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month.”

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.

A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award, and a World Series Championship in 1979.

The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame… pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 28, 2025

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Known for his Herculean swing, lyrical vocabulary, and harrowing arm, Parker was a hit across big-league ballparks. Yes, his candor put him at odds with some fanbases, but Parker was a showman. His Grimm’s Tale-like diction was one of his signature traits. What else could explain such a remark?

“When the leaves turn brown, I’ll be wearing the batting crown.”

Parker once sported a Star of David (his explanation: his name was David and he was a star), chain-smoked cigarettes in the dugout, and collected two outfield assists — one to third, the other at home — en route to taking home All-Star MVP honors in 1979.

Do yourself a favor and watch these Dave Parker highlights a few times tonight. In an All-Star Game. An absolute rocket for an arm. Incredible talent. pic.twitter.com/Ff2NA6KEFv

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 28, 2025

That 1978 season, meanwhile, represented Parker at the peak of his powers. He led MLB in batting average (.334), slugging percentage (.585), OPS (.979), OPS+ (166), intentional walks (23), and bWAR among outfield players (7.0). He was summarily rewarded with NL MVP, taking home 21 of 24 first-place votes.

Parker notched two World Series rings during his career. He waited more than 30 years before earning enshrinement into Cooperstown, seeing his name fall off of the writer’s and modern-era ballots. In 2024, Parker was elected alongside late slugger Dick Allen via Classic Baseball Era Committee vote.

 “I’ve been holding this speech in for 15 years,” Parker told MLB.

Dave Parker tributes

The baseball world wasted little time honoring Parker, one of the sport’s most ebullient personalities. Here’s a look at some of the most notable reactions to Parker’s death.

https://t.co/Gx3BjXO7qv pic.twitter.com/uaaqdSPkpU

— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) June 28, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Hall of Fame electee Dave Parker.

“The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.

A… pic.twitter.com/i1EMrjDvkM

— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025

Gary Cohen and Ron Darling offer a tribute to Dave Parker, who passed away today at the age of 74 pic.twitter.com/4PC2oNnDXY

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 28, 2025

Heart goes out to the family and friends of Hall of Famer Dave Parker pic.twitter.com/LxLxCgxumA

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 28, 2025

Former MLB right fielder Dave Parker has passed away at the age of 74.

Parker won two batting titles, an MVP award, and was a two-time World Series champion. He will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month. pic.twitter.com/d9ASw3QRhU

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 28, 2025

Damn, RIP Pirates legend Dave Parker pic.twitter.com/aUyQwzNeQz

— Kyle G. Adema 🌪️ 🏴‍☠️ (@KyleGAdema) June 28, 2025

The Hall of Fame is heartbroken by the loss of Class of 2025 inductee Dave Parker, who passed away today at the age of 74. https://t.co/RrX1MLSnEj pic.twitter.com/ze1oN2T0ur

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) June 28, 2025

Dave Parker nickname

Parker’s name was memorable enough. Still, his nickname — “The Cobra” — landed even more attention among baseball enthusiasts. The moniker was created by Tony Bartirome, Pittsburgh’s trainer during Parker’s first few years with the franchise.

Perhaps it was a reference to his eye-catching personality, his prowess with the bat, or his fearsome arm. Either way, the nickname stuck, becoming an effective nom de guerre for one of baseball’s biggest stars. Where in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Oakland, Parker’s sobriquet trailed closely behind.

Dave Parker career stats

Parker played for six teams in his MLB career — Pirates, Reds, A’s, Brewers, Angels, and Blue Jays.